TRL’s Gardner ready to turn up the Heat
Matt Gardner made an immediate impact upon joining Goondiwindi in 2018, and a solid season has been rewarded.
The backrower will captain the Latin Heat during the Emerging Nations World Championship.
Gardner qualifies for the team through his mother being born in Brazil and cemented his spot with a strong showing for the Queensland Latinos 2826 win over NSW in March.
Head coach Andrew Charles said Gardner’s experience made him the easy choice to lead the side during its biggest test to date.
“I’ve only known Matt since he came into our training, but he’s been very professional and lifted the standards of our training session through his past experience,” Charles said.
“He’s always the first there doing his own warm up. From my point of view the standards he has brought have been professional and he has lifted standards of other players.”
With much of the squad inexperienced, Charles commended the immediate impact the former English Super League player has had.
“Even though we have a player of Super League experience, we have five flying from South America and some have only just started playing league,” he said.
“All of our imports have played under 10 games, and with the vastly different levels in experience, Matt’s leading the way.
“He’s one of the more vocal players and he challenges the players and even the coaching staff with his thoughts and ideas.”
After spending much of the TRL Premiership season in the back row for Goondiwindi, Charles said that would be his preferred position, however he possessed the versatility to play across the park.
“He could play virtually anywhere for us from prop down to winger if he had to. He’s very athletic and fast, a quick mover and his leadership has been invaluable for the team.”
The Heat’s bid for regional crown begins on Sunday when they take on Mediterranean Middle East, before pool games against ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Africa United.
Photo: NRL Photos